ghing on her. She knew it when she signed the contract: she was going to be scrutinized, respected, judged. But no

ispers rose around her, conversations abruptly stopping when she passed nearby. She tries to ignore the whi

glimmer of curiosity piqued in her eyes. "I heard things yesterday... T

polite look. "Yes, that's true. But I prefer no

ity, and she knew it would only fuel more rumors. She tried to remain calm, not to let herself be overco

others showed a sudden forced interest, as if his value had sometimes increased since this famous announcement. She und

her phone vibrated. An incoming call, from a number she di

me, your a

r a few sporadic calls from one member or another. And then, frequently, they came back into

replied, suggesting that

at it's surprising, you who were always so discreet. Your mother would be... well, I think she would have been

didn't want her family back in her life for the wrong rea

ent," she said, trying to cut the conversatio

maybe we could meet up? You know, family matters, especially when life gets com

word. But she just responds calmly. "I'll call you w

re, resurfaced just because it now bore the name of an influential man. The situation was be

I'll pick you up. We need to discuss some rules going forward. » It was a simple, direct message, without embellishments, but sh

front of her. He got off and invited her to come upstairs, then they headed together to a discreet café.

" he began, in a neutral but authoritative tone. "There are expectations

he knew well that this agreement was not a fairy tale, but hearing these word

eaving no room for discussion. "I know it's abrupt, but we have to ke

ied that she abandoned her personal space, her cocoon, to settle in a house that wa

ly whispered, aware that

present at every important event. Pack gatherings, meetings with the

errified her. She knew nothing about this world, its codes, its traditions.

or the greatest discretion regarding our agreement. No one should know t

only to those around her, but also to herself. She had accepted this contract thinking that t

d, suddenly feeling overwhelm

thoughts. Then he placed a hand on hers, a firm but surprisin

everything will be fine. We each have sacrifices to make in this agreement. You

ion any easier. She already felt the noose tightening around her, between the looks of

ealized that nothing would be the same again. She was leaving behin